. Jalbum 8.5 A nude bicycle excursion around the backside of the closed Index-Galena Road from Jacks Pass to the Troublesome Creek Campgrounds that were destroyed by flooding two years ago. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_001.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Jacks Pass Jacks Pass slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_001.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_002.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Much needed road repair is underway Much needed road repair is underway slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_002.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_003.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 This is the FS road to Evergreen Mountain . . . inaccessible from this direction for the moment This is the FS road to Evergreen Mountain . . . inaccessible from this direction for the moment slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_003.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_004.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 On the other side of the pass is the road continueing down toward the North Fork valley . . . the direction I'm headed. On the other side of the pass is the road continueing down toward the North Fork valley . . . the direction I'm headed. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_004.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_007.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 At the base of the pass, the FS 65 bridge over the North Fork. Time for an impromptu freehike. At the base of the pass, the FS 65 bridge over the North Fork. Time for an impromptu freehike. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_007.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_008.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 On the north side of the bridge On the north side of the bridge slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_008.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_009.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 ...and a causeway atop an old levee that once protected some great campgrounds ...and a causeway atop an old levee that once protected some great campgrounds slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_009.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_010.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 An easy start to my freehike. Shoes, socks, hat and hiking staff. It's all I need because I know this area well. An easy start to my freehike. Shoes, socks, hat and hiking staff. It's all I need because I know this area well. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_010.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_011.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Entering the campgrounds Entering the campgrounds slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_011.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_012.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 You could once drive into here. No longer. You could once drive into here. No longer. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_012.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_013.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 The immediate floodplain just outside of the campgrounds and north of the bridge. The immediate floodplain just outside of the campgrounds and north of the bridge. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_013.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_014.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 An old jeep road that leads into the main branch of the floodplain. An old jeep road that leads into the main branch of the floodplain. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_014.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_015.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Overlloking the main branch of the river. San Jaun Mountain is in the background. Overlloking the main branch of the river. San Jaun Mountain is in the background. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_015.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_016.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Only minor fording today. I want to avoid getting my shoes soaked. Only minor fording today. I want to avoid getting my shoes soaked. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_016.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_017.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Lush, fragrant evergreens to invigorate the senses. Lush, fragrant evergreens to invigorate the senses. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_017.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_018.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Walking the deadwood to avoid tough scrambles around. Walking the deadwood to avoid tough scrambles around. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_018.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_019.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 The main flood palin of the North Fork. The mountain in the background is called Frog Mountain. The main flood palin of the North Fork. The mountain in the background is called Frog Mountain. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_019.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_020.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Catching lots of sunlight. Catching lots of sunlight. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_020.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_021.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 More log-walking around obstacles. More log-walking around obstacles. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_021.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_023.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Had to try out wearing the kilt again. BTW, it folds small enough to fit in the crown of my hat. Had to try out wearing the kilt again. BTW, it folds small enough to fit in the crown of my hat. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_023.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_024.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_024.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_025.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Nah . . . don't need the kilt ... Nah . . . don't need the kilt ... slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_025.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_026.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 A natural bend in the river. There is great hiking beyond (and sandy beaches) but this is as far as I go today as I don't feel like fording across. A natural bend in the river. There is great hiking beyond (and sandy beaches) but this is as far as I go today as I don't feel like fording across. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_026.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_027.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Uprooted and washed down trees all over the place. Uprooted and washed down trees all over the place. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_027.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_028.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_028.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_029.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Back at the northern side of the bridge. Back at the northern side of the bridge. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_029.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_030.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Nice little sandy area . . . Nice little sandy area . . . slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_030.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_031.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 . . . to sit back and watch to occasional car go by. . . . to sit back and watch to occasional car go by. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_031.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_032.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Those campgrounds beyond again. Those campgrounds beyond again. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_032.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_033.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 This is one area I've car camped a few times. This is one area I've car camped a few times. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_033.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_034.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_034.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_035.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Sun is getting lower and casting interesting shadows. Sun is getting lower and casting interesting shadows. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_035.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_036.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_036.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_037.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 The original dirt road into the campgrounds. The original dirt road into the campgrounds. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_037.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_038.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Back at the car . . . where next? Back at the car . . . where next? slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_038.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_039.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Well, south. A little campsite with a few amenities. Well, south. A little campsite with a few amenities. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_039.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_040.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 At the height of the day this area is ablaze in sunlight . . . and the sand is deep. At the height of the day this area is ablaze in sunlight . . . and the sand is deep. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_040.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_043.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Time to get the bike out. Time to get the bike out. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_043.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_044.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Ready to go. Destination . . . Troublesome Creek Campgrounds five miles away. Ready to go. Destination . . . Troublesome Creek Campgrounds five miles away. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_044.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_045.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 First stop is the San Juan Campground . . . a smaller site now closed. First stop is the San Juan Campground . . . a smaller site now closed. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_045.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_046.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_046.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_048.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Closed to Public Use . . . yeah, right. Just not fee-managed anymore, nor easily accessible. Closed to Public Use . . . yeah, right. Just not fee-managed anymore, nor easily accessible. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_048.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_049.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 The slide on the opposite side of the river that did damage to this campground. The slide on the opposite side of the river that did damage to this campground. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_049.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_050.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Helmet off, floppy blue hat on for some river-side exploring. Helmet off, floppy blue hat on for some river-side exploring. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_050.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_051.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 The North Fork is definitely running low this time of year. The North Fork is definitely running low this time of year. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_051.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_052.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Some more of the slide damage. Some more of the slide damage. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_052.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_053.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 The campsites appear to be okay at any rate. The campsites appear to be okay at any rate. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_053.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_054.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 The composting outhouse has been locked. The composting outhouse has been locked. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_054.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_055.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_055.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_056.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_056.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_057.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Midpoint between San Juan and Troublesome Creek the river flows through a narrowed gorge, hard to spot from the road unless you know what to look for. Midpoint between San Juan and Troublesome Creek the river flows through a narrowed gorge, hard to spot from the road unless you know what to look for. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_057.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_058.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 The gorge from above. The gorge from above. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_058.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_059.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Quiet and serene now . . . the scour marks tell you how high this river can get in a hurry. Quiet and serene now . . . the scour marks tell you how high this river can get in a hurry. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_059.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_060.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 That fallen log has been there for years and I used to clamber down on it to jump into the deep pool below. That fallen log has been there for years and I used to clamber down on it to jump into the deep pool below. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_060.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_061.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_061.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_062.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_062.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_063.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Now skinny-dipping today, as inviting as that water looks. Now skinny-dipping today, as inviting as that water looks. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_063.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_064.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_064.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_065.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_065.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_066.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_066.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_067.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Troublesome Creek! This is where the lower footbridge once connected the two sections of these large campgrounds. Troublesome Creek! This is where the lower footbridge once connected the two sections of these large campgrounds. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_067.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_069.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Surveying the damage. Nothing left of that concrete footed, steel girder footbridge. Surveying the damage. Nothing left of that concrete footed, steel girder footbridge. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_069.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_070.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 A dedication to a little girl by the family that paid for the wonderful nature trail in Troublesome Creek. A dedication to a little girl by the family that paid for the wonderful nature trail in Troublesome Creek. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_070.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_071.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 On the nature trail. On the nature trail. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_071.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_072.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_072.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_073.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 An easy loop freehike. An easy loop freehike. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_073.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_074.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Overlooking the upper footbridge. Overlooking the upper footbridge. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_074.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_075.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 and waterfalls . . . and waterfalls . . . slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_075.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_077.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 ... which I just have to get up close to ... ... which I just have to get up close to ... slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_077.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_078.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 bad pic . . . camera fooled on exposure. bad pic . . . camera fooled on exposure. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_078.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_079.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Enhanced pic . . . post cleaned up. Enhanced pic . . . post cleaned up. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_079.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_080.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 How can you not resist pretending you're bursting out of a cacoon. How can you not resist pretending you're bursting out of a cacoon. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_080.JPG slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_081.html# Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:59:28 -0700 Warning tape, closed signs . . . and . . . well, the bridge was very unsafe but I crossed it anyway. Warning tape, closed signs . . . and . . . well, the bridge was very unsafe but I crossed it anyway. slides/TroublesomeCreek_9-1-2009_081.JPG